The Republican / Michael S. GordonJoseph A. Kendrick, left, and Aaron A. Fisher-Katz, both of Northampton, get ready for the 2010 Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School commencement Thursday night at the Calvin Theater in Northampton.

NORTHAMAPTON - Members of the class of 2010 of the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School were reminded of the highlights of their academic careers and encouraged to reach out to the future during graduation ceremonies Thursday at the Calvin Theater.

Doris J. Shallcross, president of the school’s board of trustees, pointed out to the seniors that they were the first class to have started their stint with PVPA in the seventh grade. Some of the high points of their years at the school that she mentioned were the mock trial team finishing second in the state and putting on a performance of “Peter Pan.”

“May all good things happen for you and may the wind always be at your back,” she said to the 65 new graduates.

Beth Graham, the outgoing director of curriculum and instruction, also had some words of advice, such as: do what needs to be done, there is no substitute for practice and surround yourself with people whose skills complement yours.

“Focus on what is important and let the rest go,” Graham said.

Outgoing Executive Director Bob Brick reminisced about the controversy over the history curriculum and concerns that the new site of the school in South Hadley might have toxic metals.

“I always do wonder if that is how I lost my hair,” Brick said.

Saying that many of them are going on to “amazing” jobs, colleges and adventures, Brick told the graduates to thank their parents PVPA-style with a hug. The music from the television show “Jeopardy” played in the background.

“I hope you will choose the future over the past. I want you to believe you can change the world,” Brick said. “Thank you for letting me go to school with you.”